Confidentiality

At The Oxford Development Centre Ltd we understand and respect our clients' right to complete confidentiality.  

All records and communications are covered by the Data Protection Act (1998). This requires that all records are kept in locked files and all computer records are password protected. 

Clients can specify how we get in touch - for example, a client may request that communications from us are never sent to their home address or landline.

We operate a policy of transparency towards all our clients. It is normal practice to share letters and reports with our clients before sending them to any third party and to ask the client's approval before sharing information with other professionals, such as their GP, insurance company or legal adviser. 

However, consultants have a professional and ethical obligation to contact other parties e.g. paramedics, immediately, if, in their professional clinical judgement, it is essential to the client's imminent health and well-being or if another person is at risk.

Third party funders should note that, in general, information about sessions can only be shared with them with the written agreement of the client.

Consultants are bound by professional codes of conduct and adhere to the ethical principles and guidelines of the British Psychological Society (BPS), the Health Professions Council (HPC), the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapies (UKCP) and other relevant professional bodies.    

All consultants and employees undergo security vetting and have passed CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks prior to commencing employment at The Oxford Development Centre Ltd.